Meet a fellow Think Local Participant

Each month you'll get a chance to meet a fellow Think Local participant through our Think Local Business/Organization Spotlight. To check out recently featured participants, click here. This month we are featuring Nick Paulukow of One2One Inc.

Why did your company/organization decide to sign the Think Local Declaration of Understanding?
We were impressed by the clarity and simplicity of the initiative as well as the dedication to it we have seen The Chamber put forth since its inception. It’s an easy concept… a “no-brainer,” but it wasn’t being highlighted, wasn’t being talked about until The Chamber spotlighted it. And as The Chamber and its members continue to support this initiative, we see people (including ourselves) making a point to pause and consider a local solution. Look for local vendors, service providers, manufacturers, etc. It’s a small step that makes a big impact.

What does your company do to contribute to this initiative?
We built our headquarters in downtown Lancaster, we maintain multiple data centers locally, we service local businesses, we hire local staff, and we’re serious about working to better Lancaster’s future. Lancaster is our home and we want to see it and the people who live and work here prosper. One2One is really a tool to help drive that initiative by educating and implementing cutting edge technology solutions to improve the efficiency of the Lancaster business community.

What does “thinking local” mean to you?
Thinking Local means reminding yourself that you live and work in a community. One that can only flourish if you remember it is there and you are a part of it. It means buying local, hiring local, serving local. And not just in business, but getting involved with non-profits, charities and organizations like the Chamber who need skilled volunteers to keep improving. It is a great augmentation to our vision for Lancaster and we hope to see it continue.

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Living Out Think Local

This page is designed to showcase stories of how businesses/organizations are demonstrating how they are thinking local. If you have a story that you would like to be added to this page, please send it to ThinkLocal@lancasterchamber.com.

We are a small company with only 14 employees, but recently hired two new men who serve in the military. One has returned from duty in Afghanistan and they both currently serve in the National Guard.

- Kate Horning, Integrity Pool & Spas, Inc.

We recently added a staff member this summer and hired a Millersville graduate. We always post positions in the local area – particularly with Millersville, F&M and Lebanon Valley.

- Thomas Fertal, Lancaster Catholic High School

We recently added 8 new Dudes to our staff of fine craftsmen. We utilized our network of other local customers and businesses to get the word out about our job fair and through those efforts had an abundance of applicants for these jobs and were able to select the best of the group. This added staff will enable us to continue to provide great service to our clients.

"Over the last three years we have donated either money, gifts (for fundraising events) or time to various organizations or causes, such as the Boys and Girls Club of Lancaster, The S. June Smith Center, The 3rd Annual Jordan Dunn Golf Classic, the United Auxiliaries to Lancaster General Hospital United Fore Golf event (benefitting the Survivorship Program that will be housed at the Ann B. Barshinger Cancer Center that opens in 2013), Toys for Tots, Step Out: Walk to STOP Diabetes and United Disabilities."

- Karyn Miller, Hinkle Insurance Agency, Inc.

"I am working with The League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania to revamp their website so that citizens will have easier access to nonpartisan information about issues and candidates. I also contribute and/or volunteer with the Central PA MS Society and several programs helping SDL elementary students, Adopt a Classroom at Fulton Elementary, MOOS (Mornings on Orange Street), a before-school program run in partnership with Covenant United Methodist Church and Community Mennonite Church. Not only do I participate in the mentoring program of Women in Business and Kee to Success (I also donated 10 of my books to the mentees of this program) through The Chamber, but I also mentor a student at Millersville University."

- Jennifer Engle, JKE Communications

"As a 4th generation business we understand the importance of attempting to source our supplies and products, print our literature, and staff our team locally. We are committed to help grow and contribute to the economy of Lancaster."

- Jeremy Debord, Kearney A. Snyder Funeral Home, Inc.

"Employees volunteer in many activities for non-profit groups such as the Humane League, Relay for Life, the Lancaster/Hempfield Rotary Club, and The Lancaster Chamber of Commerce. Giving back to these types of organizations is another way that keeps the "community" concept alive."

"Whenever possible, we are sure to utilize the services of our own customers and to promote their services, extending economic growth and ensuring stability in our community."

- Nicholas Paulukow of One2One Computer Services, Inc.

"Weaver Associates has spent the last 13 years promoting local service and local buying. When you partner with companies with the same goal you both succeed. The Chamber's Think local initiative provides the forum for local companies to grow together and help the community be stronger. We take great pride in servicing Chamber members, were all in this together and need to work even closer to help build a stronger community."

In desperate need of immediate afterhours support, Fairway Building Products picked up the phone and called a Design Data Corporation technician. We were able to recommend and provide the necessary hardware they needed, and quickly met them at 9 o'clock that same evening. Fairway Building Products was up and running that evening and avoided any downtime to their operations.

- Shawn Sweigart, Design Data Corporation

With an "A" team of technicians and office staff that consistently provide the type of service that is friendly, professional and abundantly helpful, Lancaster Plumbing & Heating has earned and kept the trust and respect of the business community.

- Michele Weiss, Lancaster Plumbing & Heating

We often emphasize to our customers the importance of patronizing a localized company, which increases the provider's ability to deliver outstanding customer service.

- Nicholas Paulukow, One2One Computer Services, Inc.

At Triangle, we believe personal, timely, and reliable customer service is not old-fashioned—it is our proven key to success. It is the reason thousands of businesses throughout South Central Pennsylvania have chosen Triangle Communications to provide them with customized security and communication solutions to meet their company's or organization's needs.

"For the Goble Group, we want to be able to add value to the local economy by keeping as many dollars here as we can and helping to grow other businesses as we grow. We live locally, we shop locally, and we're committed to helping focus on local options for businesses and consumers alike."

- Steve Goble, the Goble Group

"Thinking local supports our business community in developing partnerships and generates revenues that stay in Lancaster County. Through this initiative we hope to grow our business and add value to our community."